10 Best-Selling Pets Books Millions Trust and Recommend

Explore Pets Books recommended by veterinarian Ian Dunbar and marketing strategist Ted Rubin—experts highlighting best-selling guides with proven value.

Ted Rubin
Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about pets books that both critics and crowds love. When millions of readers and leading experts agree on certain titles, it signals real value for anyone passionate about pet care. Pets remain integral to countless households, and books guiding their training, health, and emotional connection continue to resonate deeply with owners worldwide.

Veterinarian and animal behaviorist Ian Dunbar praises Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution for its practical, adaptable methods that genuinely improve lives. Marketing strategist Ted Rubin highlights The Art of Raising a Puppy for its thoughtful approach to forming meaningful bonds. Their endorsements reflect how these best-selling pets books combine expert insight with widespread reader trust.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Pets needs might consider creating a personalized Pets book that combines these validated approaches. Tailored content ensures you get the guidance most relevant to your pet’s unique personality and your goals.

Best for adaptable dog training methods
Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist, highlights the practical value of Zak George’s guide, emphasizing its wealth of tips and games that have enriched the lives of dogs and their owners alike. His endorsement carries weight for anyone serious about dog care, reflecting how this book offers more than training—it fosters a deeper connection with your pet. As Ian points out, this resource is essential for dog lovers seeking methods that are both effective and enjoyable.

Recommended by Ian Dunbar

Veterinarian and Animal Behaviorist

Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution is a must-read for dog lovers everywhere. It has a wealth of practical tips, tricks, and fun games that will enrich the lives of many dogs and their human companions. (from Amazon)

2016·240 pages·Dog Training, Dog Owner, Pets, Dog, Behavior Management

What started as Zak George's personal journey into dog training evolved into a guide that challenges traditional methods by focusing on tailoring training to each dog's unique personality and energy. Drawing from his experience as a YouTube star and Animal Planet personality, Zak offers practical guidance on everything from choosing the right puppy to managing common behavioral issues like leash pulling and barking. The book also includes health care essentials and fun activities to strengthen the human-dog bond. If you want straightforward, adaptable techniques that respect your pet's individuality, this book is worth your attention.

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Best for service dog recovery stories
A Dog Called Hope stands out in the pets category by telling a deeply moving story of resilience inspired by true events. It chronicles how Jason Morgan, a Special Forces veteran, found an unlikely source of strength in Napal, his service dog, who became pivotal in his physical and emotional healing. This memoir has touched many with its honest portrayal of overcoming trauma and rebuilding family ties through the unique bond between a warrior and his dog. For anyone drawn to stories about the healing power of animals, this book offers both hope and insight into the vital role service dogs play in recovery and daily life.
2017·336 pages·Pets, Dog, Service Dogs, Trauma Recovery, Military Life

Drawing from Jason Morgan's firsthand experiences as a Special Forces soldier, this memoir recounts the profound bond between a wounded warrior and his service dog, Napal. You get a raw look at recovery from devastating injury and emotional loss, with chapters detailing how Napal's loyalty and playful spirit helped Morgan confront chronic pain and navigate single fatherhood. The book reveals how service dogs can bridge the gap between disability and daily life, offering companionship and renewed purpose. If you're interested in the intersection of military life, trauma recovery, and the healing power of animals, this story will resonate deeply.

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Best for personal training plans
This AI-created book on dog training is tailored to your pet’s specific needs and your experience level. It’s created after you share what training methods interest you, your background with pets, and your goals. That way, you get a book focused on proven techniques that suit your dog’s personality and challenges, making training more effective and enjoyable. Customizing this learning experience ensures you don’t waste time on irrelevant advice but instead get practical guidance that fits your situation perfectly.
2025·50-300 pages·Pets, Dog Training, Behavior Management, Positive Reinforcement, Puppy Socialization

This tailored book explores effective dog training methods that have been validated by millions of pet owners, combining widely trusted knowledge with your pet’s unique needs. It examines proven techniques that focus on building trust, promoting good behavior, and enhancing communication between you and your dog. By addressing your specific goals and background, the book reveals personalized insights that make training both practical and engaging. This approach ensures you learn in a way that matches your experience level and interests, making it easier to apply techniques suited to your pet’s personality and challenges. Overall, it offers a focused, enthusiastic journey into dog training customized just for you.

Tailored Guide
Behavioral Adaptation
3,000+ Books Created
Best for understanding dog-human communication
Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB, combines her expertise as an ethologist and applied animal behaviorist with more than twenty years consulting experience to write this book. Her nationally syndicated radio show and Animal Planet television program underscore her ability to translate scientific knowledge into practical advice. She wrote this book to help dog lovers bridge the communication gap between species, drawing on her academic background and years of hands-on work to offer readers a fresh perspective on living harmoniously with their dogs.
The Other End of the Leash book cover

by Patricia McConnell··You?

2002·272 pages·Animal Behavior, Animal Psychology, Dog, Pets, Dog Training

Patricia McConnell draws from over two decades as an applied animal behaviorist to explore the subtle misunderstandings between humans and dogs. You’ll learn why your body language and tone matter more than you might think, discovering how even small changes can improve communication with your dog. Chapters explain why dominance isn’t the answer, and how to enjoy play that respects a dog’s natural behaviors. This book suits anyone seeking a deeper connection with their dog, particularly those frustrated by miscommunication or behavioral issues.

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Best for puppy training foundations
How to Raise the Perfect Dog offers a straightforward approach to nurturing puppies into balanced adult dogs, based on Cesar Millan's well-known expertise from his National Geographic Channel series. This book has connected with millions seeking guidance on early dog care, providing detailed insights into puppy development stages, behavior correction, and leadership essentials. It stands as a trusted companion for anyone looking to build a harmonious relationship with their canine friend from the very beginning.

Cesar Millan challenges the conventional wisdom that raising a perfect dog requires complex training techniques. Drawing from his extensive experience as the star of National Geographic Channel's Dog Whisperer, he emphasizes the importance of establishing a solid foundation during puppyhood to foster balanced behavior. You’ll learn practical guidance on stages of puppy development, housebreaking, nutrition essentials, and leadership principles that prevent future behavioral problems. The book benefits anyone bringing a puppy home or working with young dogs, offering clear advice on correcting common issues before they escalate.

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Best for raising well-adjusted puppies
Ted Rubin, a marketing strategist and CMO known for his insights on relationship-building, praised this revised edition of The Art of Raising a Puppy, noting it as a great book. His endorsement reflects the book’s enduring value to those who seek a deeper connection with their dogs, beyond basic commands. Rubin’s appreciation suggests the book’s blend of practical advice and thoughtful philosophy resonates even outside traditional training circles, offering readers a guide that helps foster meaningful bonds with their pets.
TR

Recommended by Ted Rubin

CMO, marketing strategist and speaker

@TheGrok @Pistachio Yes Bryan… great book! (from X)

The Art of Raising a Puppy (Revised Edition) book cover

by Monks of New Skete·You?

2011·352 pages·Pets, Dog, Dog Training, Canine Behavior, Puppy Socialization

The Monks of New Skete bring decades of hands-on experience breeding and training German shepherds to this revised edition, which goes beyond typical dog training books by integrating the latest canine behavioral science and health insights. You’ll find detailed guidance on everything from socialization and play to crating and adopting rescue dogs, all grounded in a philosophy that deepens the bond between you and your puppy. Chapters on raising dogs in urban environments and updated health advice make it relevant whether you’re in a city apartment or a country home. This book suits anyone committed to raising a well-adjusted dog with a thoughtful, informed approach, rather than quick fixes or gimmicks.

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Best for rapid behavior fixes
This AI-created book on pet behavior is tailored to your background and specific challenges with your pet. By sharing your experience level and the particular issues you want to address, you receive a book that focuses exactly on your needs. Personalizing the content helps you target solutions that resonate with your pet's unique traits and your goals, making learning more relevant and effective. It's a practical way to get focused guidance for rapid improvement in your pet's behavior.
2025·50-300 pages·Pets, Pet Behavior, Behavioral Assessment, Training Techniques, Problem Solving

This tailored book explores rapid, customized solutions for common pet behavior challenges, designed to match your unique pet's personality and your specific goals. It covers essential principles of pet behavior, practical steps to identify and resolve issues quickly, and techniques adapted to your pet's needs. By focusing on your interests and background, the book reveals how you can make meaningful changes in just thirty days. It combines widely validated knowledge with a personalized approach, providing clear guidance that respects the individuality of each pet-owner relationship. Readers experience a learning journey that emphasizes swift, effective problem-solving while deepening understanding of pet behavior nuances.

Tailored Guide
Behavioral Customization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for compassionate dog training
For more than 25 years, How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend by the Monks of New Skete has been a trusted guide for dog owners seeking to deepen their relationship with their pets. This revised edition updates their unique philosophy that understanding is key to communication, compassion, and communion with your dog. Covering everything from selecting the right breed and interpreting pedigrees to tailored training techniques and care for city or country living, it offers practical guidance for dog lovers aiming to enrich their companionship. Its enduring popularity reflects its thorough approach to canine care and training.
2002·336 pages·Dog Training, Dog Owner, Pets, Dog, Canine Behavior

What started as the Monks of New Skete's deep commitment to breeding and training German shepherds became a training manual that has guided dog owners for over 25 years. You'll learn how to select the right dog for your lifestyle, understand canine behavior, and apply training techniques that emphasize communication and compassion rather than control. Chapters cover everything from reading pedigrees to managing behavioral challenges specific to city or country living, making this book practical for almost any dog owner. If you're looking to build a genuine relationship with your dog based on mutual respect, this book offers insights grounded in decades of experience.

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Best for exploring dog cognition
Alexandra Horowitz is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know and On Looking: A Walker’s Guide to the Art of Observation. She teaches at Barnard College, where she runs the Dog Cognition Lab. She lives with her family and two large, highly sniffy dogs in New York City. Horowitz’s background as a cognitive scientist and her personal experience with dogs inspired her to investigate the canine mind, resulting in a book that offers a unique window into how dogs see and understand their world.
2009·368 pages·Animal Psychology, Dog, Pets, Dog Behavior, Pet Care

Drawing from her dual role as a cognitive scientist and devoted dog owner, Alexandra Horowitz explores the canine perspective with clarity and insight. You learn how dogs interpret their environment through smell, sight, and cognition, unraveling behaviors that often seem puzzling. Chapters detail how dogs perceive humans and other animals, revealing surprising nuances in their mental lives, such as their use of scent to communicate and their attention to human gestures. If you're someone who wants to deepen your connection with your dog or understand canine behavior beyond the usual stereotypes, this book offers thoughtful explanations grounded in research and personal observation.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for holistic pet health
Dr. Martin Goldstein, a veterinarian known for his pioneering work in holistic animal health, offers a deep dive into natural therapies that have helped many critically ill pets regain wellness. His approach treats animals as whole beings, not just symptom bearers, and this book compiles decades of clinical wisdom into accessible guidance. If you’re interested in exploring how diet, acupuncture, and homeopathy can play a role in your dog’s or cat’s health, this guide stands as a trusted resource, especially for those looking beyond conventional treatments.
2000·368 pages·Pets, Holistic, Alternative Medicine, Cat, Animal Health

When Dr. Martin Goldstein noticed that conventional veterinary care often focused on symptoms rather than underlying causes, he developed a holistic approach to animal healing that treats pets as whole beings. Drawing on over two decades of clinical experience, he explains how natural therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy, and nutrition can restore health by addressing root issues. You’ll find detailed chapters on common ailments, the impact of diet, and safe alternative treatments, along with inspiring recovery stories that challenge traditional veterinary expectations. This book suits pet owners seeking deeper understanding and integrative care strategies beyond standard medicine.

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Best for positive reinforcement training
Puppy Primer shines as a practical guide in the world of pet training, widely embraced for its accessible approach to raising well-behaved puppies. This updated edition expands on positive reinforcement techniques and realistic expectations, making it a favorite among trainers and new dog owners alike. It covers essential topics like socialization, crate training, and behavioral games, all designed to make training clear and enjoyable. Whether you're attending a positive-based training class or navigating puppyhood on your own, this book serves as a trusted companion for nurturing a happy, obedient pet.
Puppy Primer book cover

by Patricia McConnell, Brenda Scidmore·You?

2010·117 pages·Dog Owner, Dog, Pets, Training, Dog Behavior

Patricia McConnell's decades as an animal behaviorist and Brenda Scidmore's hands-on experience shaped this approachable guide to puppy training. You learn how to use positive reinforcement to teach basic commands like sit and come, while understanding why a "sit" at mealtime differs from a "sit" when guests arrive. The book breaks down socialization, crate training, and managing puppy fears with clear exercises like "Puppy Pause" and games such as "Fetch" that make obedience engaging. If you're a new dog owner or trainer seeking straightforward, effective methods that blend science with practical tips, this book offers a solid foundation without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for exploring pet afterlife signs
Lyn Ragan’s Signs From Pets In The Afterlife invites you to explore how beloved pets continue to communicate after passing. This book’s gentle approach helps you identify messages and signs from pets in spirit, offering solace to those mourning a furry friend. With a simple ABC’s format, it breaks down the complex language of spirit into approachable steps. For anyone seeking ongoing connection beyond loss, this book addresses a unique and tender aspect of pet care and grief.
2015·132 pages·Pets, Afterlife Communication, Spirituality, Grief Support, Emotional Healing

What if everything you knew about pet loss was wrong? Lyn Ragan explores how communication continues beyond physical presence, offering you a way to recognize messages from pets who’ve passed on. This book teaches you to interpret subtle signs and spiritual signals, like unusual behaviors or symbolic gifts, that your beloved pet might send from the afterlife. With its ABC’s narrative structure, it gently guides you through identifying these communications, providing comfort and a renewed connection. While it won’t resonate with skeptics, if you seek to understand ongoing bonds with departed pets, this book offers meaningful insight and hope.

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Proven Pets Wisdom, Customized for You

Get expert-backed pets strategies tailored to your unique situation and goals.

Targeted training tips
Personalized health advice
Behavior-focused solutions

Validated by top experts and thousands of pet lovers worldwide

The Proven Pets Method
30-Day Pets Fix
Pets Success Blueprint
What Top Pets Owners Know

Conclusion

The collection of these 10 pets books reveals a few clear themes: expert-backed methods, a focus on building strong bonds, and embracing both traditional and holistic care philosophies. Together, they provide readers with trusted strategies that have stood the test of time and reader experience.

If you prefer proven methods for dog training, start with Zak George's Dog Training Revolution or How to Raise the Perfect Dog. For those interested in the emotional and cognitive side, Inside of a Dog and The Other End of the Leash offer invaluable perspectives. Exploring holistic health? The Nature of Animal Healing provides wise guidance.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Pets book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in nurturing happier, healthier pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Zak George's Dog Training Revolution if you're focused on practical training, or The Art of Raising a Puppy for foundational puppy care. Both are widely recommended and offer clear, actionable advice.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Pets?

Not at all. Many, like Puppy Primer and How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend, are written with beginners in mind, offering step-by-step guidance that's easy to follow.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can definitely skip around. Many books are structured with standalone chapters, so you can focus on topics most relevant to your needs without reading sequentially.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Inside of a Dog explores the science of canine cognition, offering theoretical insights, while Zak George's Dog Training Revolution emphasizes hands-on training techniques.

Just because a book is popular, does that mean it's actually good?

Popularity here aligns with expert endorsement and proven reader success, indicating these books deliver valuable, reliable information—not just fame.

How can personalized pets books complement these expert picks?

Personalized books build on expert foundations like those here, tailoring advice to your pet’s breed, age, and behavior. They’re a great way to get focused, relevant guidance. Learn more here.

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